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Articles by Lisa Walenceus
Unlocking earning potential of V2G-enabled electric vehicles
The University of Delaware, Exelon Corporation/Delmarva Power and collaborators have released a new report showing that electric vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can be profitable for private owners and businesses alike, with data from real electricity markets to back up the claims.
Spark! Symposium showcases four big questions driving graduate research at UD
The spring 2026 University of Delaware Graduate College Spark! Symposium, themed “New Frontiers: Discoveries Across Health, Society and the Galaxy,” highlighted four graduate students whose research offers insights with the potential to drive meaningful change. Designed to help UD graduate students communicate their work to audiences beyond academia, the Spark! Symposium underscores their essential role in advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges through discovery.
Breaking ground, building community
The new building, adjacent to the current building on Delaware Avenue, is expected to be completed by spring 2027. The 18,000-square-foot building will feature a large event hall for Shabbat dinners for up to 250 students, huddle spaces for students to study and meet, lounges for students to gather, a beit midrash/chapel, classroom space and an outdoor gathering space.
Supporting Delaware communities
With its master of social work program and community outreach, the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is working to address the critical need for more social workers in Delaware.
For the Record, Oct. 31, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent appointments, publications and presentations include the following: Suzanne L. Burton, professor of music education in the School of Music, has been reappointed to the Delaware State Arts Council by Gov. Matthew Meyer.
Exploring futures
Last summer, high school students from across the country gathered at the University of Delaware’s Newark campus for one-week immersive programs in forensic science or autonomous driving through the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS). These pre-college summer programs offer students a glimpse into real-world STEM careers — and a head start on their college journey — guided by researchers at the forefront of innovation through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Bridging policy and practice
As the first doctoral graduate of the University of Delaware’s interdisciplinary education and social policy program, Hojung Lee is setting a powerful example of how rigorous, data-driven research can inform public policy and improve educational outcomes. Now a postdoctoral associate in Rice University’s Department of Sociology, Lee investigates how resource allocation decisions — from housing vouchers to federal education funding — shape opportunities for underserved students.
One community. One UD.
UD’s newest students gather on The Green for the University’s Twilight Induction Ceremony, a ritual that welcomes to campus all new students and marks the official start of their time at UD. UD welcomes new students at symbolic Twilight Induction Ceremony Emely Mercado, a first-generation college student from Newark, Delaware, looked around The Green at her University of Delaware peers, each holding a candle symbolizing their individual academic journeys.
Back-to-school jitters
The back-to-school season is often marked by a flurry of nerves and excitement as children and parents return to their school communities after summer break. These feelings may be even more acute for children who will start the year as a brand-new kindergartener, middle schooler or high school student. University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is here to help.
Leading with impact
Julie Harris, a chemical engineer, knows that women in leadership roles in her field are rare — but she’s never let that stop her from forging her own path. When the opportunity arose to join her company’s team in the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS) Dynamic Leadership Certificate program, Harris, who works at W. L. Gore & Associates, was ready. Her motivation?
Exhibitions on view this fall
Visual artwork draws readers into imaginative realms, ignites curiosity and allows stories to transcend the boundaries between text and image — further transforming complex narratives and fantastical worlds into accessible experiences for all.
For the Record, July 31, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Building community note by note
She isn’t alone in returning to CMS. It is not unusual to find current music majors teaching for CMS who took lessons here as children. Junior instrumental music education major Brandon Leonhard remembers feeling supported and encouraged when he started taking percussion lessons during elementary school. Now he teaches the Concert Band summer camp for junior high and high school age students. “As a student, you’re oblivious and you’re there to have fun,” he said. “And that’s what I love about CMS.
A bright future for lifelong learning
When Trudie Thompson reflects on her years with the University of Delaware's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Kent-Sussex, she doesn't just think about the classes she's taught (and taken), the knowledge she’s gained or the leadership council’s many accomplishments. She thinks about the community she's found—a vibrant network of accomplished professionals, engaging teachers and voracious learners.
46th Annual Governor's School for Excellence
The University of Delaware’s 46th annual Governor’s School for Excellence welcomed both Gov. Matt Meyer and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay for a direct and engaging conversation with more than 130 high-achieving students from across the state.
For the Record, July 17, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni.
'Kick up some fun' with UD at the fair
This year will be Klaira Wing’s first year participating in a competition at the Delaware State Fair. She’s ready to “kick up some fun,” the theme of this year’s event. “I’m excited to see my friends,” said the 6-year-old Cloverbud, a pre-4-Her from Seaford, Delaware. “I’ve been working on crafts, sewing, drawing and singing.” “She wants that blue ribbon so bad,” said Klaira’s mom, Krista Wing, a University of Delaware Class of 2010 alumna.
Learning to navigate turbulent times with UD PCS' PocketMBA
Developing a drug that significantly improves patients’ lives and meets their medical needs can take 10 to 15 years. In the fiercely competitive and complex process of bringing a new drug to market, Incyte — an innovative global biopharmaceutical company based in Wilmington, Delaware — must proactively prepare for the next wave of innovative treatments.
Using AI to advance biology research
As a University of Delaware graduate student working toward her MBA and Ph.D. in biology, Malek Elsayyid certainly already had enough on her academic plate. But when she received an email from Andrea Hartman, the Lerner College’s graduate business academic program manager describing a new Introduction to AI course being offered in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, she was intrigued.
New educational partnership
Miguel Garcia-Diaz, University of Delaware’s vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, and Michael Bailey, director of the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center, sign a joint educational partnership agreement Thursday, April 21, 2025.
Bridging the gap
“It’s not an over-there issue,” Turning said. “This isn’t something law enforcement professionals will encounter at some point in their career — it’s here now. And these people with autism? They aren’t broken; they don’t need to be healed or fixed. They’re amazing individuals, but the world isn’t set up for them — and neither is policing.” For many years, Turning was a respected member of his department’s K-9 division.
Art, exploration and sustainability
The seventh Graduate College Spark! Symposium, themed “Within and Beyond Our Senses: Art, Exploration and Sustainability,” showcased diverse endeavors, from underwater exploration off Antarctica to studying old masters' techniques in Italy. These pursuits were united by the sense of awe and wonder experienced in moments of discovery.
Identifying salt patches and marsh
University of Delaware doctoral candidate Manan Sarupria has developed a machine learning algorithm combined with field data to examine the proportion of Delmarva farmland land cover that was identified as salt patches or marshes. UD doctoral candidate combines field data and machine learning algorithm to find salt patches on farmland tripled since 2011 in Delmarva Salty soils are causing reduced crop density, lower yields and barren lands unable to sustain crop growth.
For the Record, Friday, April 25, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent publications, presentations and honors include the following: Margaret Stetz, Mae and Robert Carter Professor of Women's Studies and professor of humanities, continues to publish poetry on a variety of topics, including on issues related to pedagogy.
Celebrating MLK Day
Monday, Jan. 20, isn't just a day off school and work — it's an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While the University of Delaware offices are closed, Winter Session classes are suspended, and many UD students are home for winter break, several events are scheduled around the state to honor the life of Dr. King. Who: Delaware Art Museum. What: A morning of reflection, education and action in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
For the Record, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent presentations and service include the following: Rudi Matthee, John and Dorothy Munroe Distinguished Professor of History, presented “Alcohol in the Islamic Middle East,” for the British Iran Society, at the Army and Navy Club, London, Jan. 7, 2025.
Future-forward mindset leads engineer to UD PCS certificate
Less than a year into her role with an engineering and design firm in Newark, DEDC, electrical engineer Joy Dufitumukiza embarked on another new journey: earning a project management certificate through the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (UD PCS). She had already been recognized in Electrical Construction and Maintenance magazine’s 2023 “30 under 30,” but she was determined not to rest on her achievements.
Campus Safety Update
University of Delaware Police have made two arrests on multiple charges stemming from catalytic converter thefts. Joshua Haller, 34, of Elkton, Md., and Amanda Grove, 35, of Newark, were arraigned on charges of theft over $1,500, a felony-level offense, as well as conspiracy and criminal mischief. Neither Haller nor Grove has an affiliation with the University of Delaware.
Uncovering molecular pathways
You might think of tuberculosis (TB) as a disease of the past, similar to polio or smallpox. In fact, it is the world’s most infectious killer, according to the World Health Organization, causing an estimated 1.5 million deaths annually. Up to one-fifth of the global population, including 13 million Americans, have TB, although most cases are in a dormant, or inactive, form. TB is treatable with antibiotics, but up to 5% of infections are now resistant to drugs.
A champion for stroke patients
EDITOR’S NOTE: Every year, hundreds of undergraduates at the University of Delaware pursue research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Such experiences provided by UD — a nationally recognized research university — can be life-changing, introducing young scholars to a new field, perhaps even the path to a future career, as they uncover new knowledge. These spotlights offer a glimpse into their world.
Tackling community challenges
When Michael Vaughan, vice provost for equity at the University of Delaware, introduced the program for the Graduate College’s sixth Spark! Symposium and its theme, “Connecting Our Research to Our Community,” he emphasized that research connected to community needs is a gift.
Agricultural leader
Susan Truehart Garey is a natural born leader. Even her sheep can see it. On a cloudy morning in June, Garey walked out on her Kent County farm, opening a gate for her sheep to trot through onto fresh pasture. The sheep happily followed her, bleating with excitement to munch on their morning grassy snack. Garey has dedicated her career and life to promoting positive aspects of agriculture. She is the Kent County director for University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.
Innovation for Instruction
Mohsin Siddiqui, University of Delaware associate professor in construction engineering and management, has used technology to create innovative teaching strategies for more than a decade. Now, with the expertise he gained in UD PCS’ Instructional Design Certificate program, he's working to fine-tune that innovative approach and share it with his fellow professors.
Today, UD. Tomorrow, the world
From their perch in the arena’s front row, the family and friends of Rhonda Asplen seemed excited — but not all that surprised — that she was about to notch another hard-won life accomplishment. After all, the 51-year-old had already proved herself to be a tireless mom, precious daughter and seemingly age-defying CrossFit competitor. In 2013, she was named Maryland’s Teacher of the Year and ended up as a finalist for the national award.
Making moon rocks
(From left) Hannah Epstein, Kenny Madden, Xavier Stephenson, Matthew Ongtawco and Matt Lecates pose for a photo while testing out their senior design project at the NASA Glenn Research Center. UD mechanical engineering students help NASA test a moon rover As aspirations for lunar colonization grow, so does the need to understand the moon's freshwater reservoirs.
Physician-scientist in training
Sudha Anilkumar, an honors biomedical engineering major at the University of Delaware, is a recipient of the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship. The junior from Newark, Delaware, is among 508 Goldwater Scholars selected from a national pool of 1,353 sophomores and juniors majoring in science, engineering or mathematics. “We are so proud of Sudha. Winning a Goldwater Scholarship is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Lauren Barsky, associate director of UD’s Undergraduate Research Program.
Spark! Symposium focuses on financial health | UDaily
Financial health is a critical determinant of overall well-being, with a growing recognition among researchers that financial adversity and limited options have negative consequences not only for personal physical and mental well-being but also for the well-being of societies.
Snow tracker | UDaily
While large snow events may have been few and far between over the past couple of years, as the recent snowfall has proven, Delaware still has a need for fast, reliable snow data during the winter months. One such tool, the DEOS Snow Monitoring Network, uses data collected from 26 locations in Delaware to provide real-time snow depth measurements to the State of Delaware in support of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Snow Removal Reimbursement Program.
How I Teach — Elementary and Middle School Education | UDaily
Editor’s note: First-year students, prospective students (and some of their parents) wonder and worry how they will handle the academic transition from high school to college. In a series of stories, UDaily speaks with University of Delaware professors who teach courses commonly taken by students during their first year on campus. The series includes professors who teach biology, writing, business, calculus, political science and sociology, and those stories can be read on the How I Teach website.
Winter Storm Warning: Remote operations on Friday, Jan. 19
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region. In anticipation of accumulating snowfall that may lead to slippery roads and hazardous driving conditions, the University of Delaware has made the following alterations to its operations and academic instruction for Friday, Jan.
How I Teach — Wildlife Conservation and Ecology | UDaily
Editor’s Note: First-year students, prospective students (and some of their parents) wonder and worry how they will handle the academic transition from high school to college. In a series of stories, UDaily speaks with University of Delaware professors who teach courses commonly taken by students during their first year on campus. The series includes professors who teach biology, writing, business, calculus, political science and sociology, and those stories can be read on the How I Teach website.
Beyond the Iron Curtain
The first time the late Tom Lathrop suggested that Hans-Jörg Busch accept a visiting professor position at the University of Delaware, Busch had to decline. “They don’t allow us to travel,” he said. This was in 1988 when the two Spanish professors, Lathrop from UD and Busch from Karl Marx University (now the University of Leipzig) in the former German Democratic Republic, commonly known as East German or the GDR, met at a conference in Poland.
Pearl Jammin' | UDaily
Whenever her plane landed at 6 or 7 a.m., Tanya Kang, University of Delaware Class of 2004, would drive straight from the Philadelphia Airport to her nine-to-five job at UD (she’s held several roles, most recently as an academic coordinator for the English Department). The exhaustion may have been tough, but it resulted in a longtime dream come true.
First cohort of Chinese students arrives for new partnership
“[Chinese] education is fantastic. These students — they excel,” Gregan said. “It’s bringing the strength of Chinese education and the strength of U.S. western education together, and so you get the best of both worlds.” The three Chinese students said the chance to expand their worlds and try new experiences was an important factor influencing their decision to study here.
UD's lifelong learning community celebrates 100 years of study abroad Original
The University of Delaware Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is founded on the idea that we can expand our horizons at any age by sharing in the experiences and expertise of others.
Carrying the Torch
Shannon Lennon, the first female chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in the College of Health Sciences (CHS), has been honored by the University of Delaware Women’s Caucus with the 2023 Torch Award for advancing women’s equality on campus. Lennon was a founding member of the caucus in 2011 and worked to establish the award, of which she’s now on the receiving end. “I was stunned.
Hormones and metabolism
Worldwide, obesity has tripled since 1975, according to the World Health Organization. This includes an astounding 39 million children under age 5 who were considered overweight or obese in 2020. These statistics concern William Kenkel, assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Delaware. He studies birth hormones known to be important in early life, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which also serve important roles in metabolism.
Next-generation AI education
“In an era marked by remarkable technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force reshaping numerous industries. From healthcare and finance to transportation and education, the influence of AI has become pervasive, revolutionizing the way we work, live and interact with the world around us.” The text above was generated by Chat GPT-3.5, a large language model chat bot developed by OpenAI, when prompted to draft an introduction for this article.
Novel nanomedicines
For the nearly 2 million Americans who will receive a cancer diagnosis each year, treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can be effective but also challenging to recover from. Because of the severity and side effects of currently available cancer treatments, researchers are working on new strategies for these and other difficult-to-treat diseases.
Grad student 'stories' make complex research accessible
More people fear speaking in public than fear snakes, heights, spiders and even dying, according to the 2022 Chapman University Survey of American Fears. So, if the five people who took the stage at the University of Delaware Graduate College’s fall 2023 Spark! Symposium on Sept. 20 felt a little dread, who would blame them?
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